Autoblog

SEMA 2009: Toyota Tundra Hot Rod kinda cool misses the bullseye

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:39:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Truck, Japan, Toyota, Specialty

Toyota Tundra Hot Rod - Click above for high-res image gallery

Yeah... Toyota is painting this one as a what-would-happen if Tundras existed back during the hot rodding heyday of the 1950s. We'll let you draw your own conclusions about that. However, we would like to take this opportunity to point out that the grill would have been chrome, not matte. And odds are they would have lowered the truck a bit more, right?

Also, whatever aerodynamic advantage gained with the moon disk hubs is negated (and then some) by the giant wing mirrors. All that smack talked, an actual Japanese take on American hot rods would be welcome -- maybe next year. Full press release -- and perhaps a better explanation -- after the jump.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Toyota Tundra Hot Rod

Continue reading SEMA 2009: Toyota Tundra Hot Rod ~~kinda cool~~ misses the bullseye

SEMA 2009: Toyota Tundra Hot Rod ~~kinda cool~~ misses the bullseye originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog at the 7th Annual Wings, Wheels and Rotors show

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:26:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Work, Misc. Auto Shows, Police/Emergency, Military, Specialty

7th Annual Wings, Wheels and Rotors Expo - Click above for our huge image gallery

This past Sunday was the 7th Annual Wings, Wheels and Rotors Expo at the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos, California, and after our experience there last year, we just had to go back for more. As you might guess from the title, this is more than just another hot rod gathering. Attendees get a chance to see mega horsepower air transport as well as earthbound movers and shakers. Even better, folks can actually get up close and personal with military vehicles, airplanes, jets and helicopters too. It's like an open house for the military, with a few hundred muscle cars thrown in for good measure. Hot rodders (and bikers) tend to be a fairly patriotic bunch, so the combination is a perfect match. Make the jump for our report from the ground.

Gallery: 7th Annual Wings, Wheels and Rotors Expo

Continue reading Autoblog at the 7th Annual Wings, Wheels and Rotors show

Autoblog at the 7th Annual Wings, Wheels and Rotors show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AFVTech working on CNG-powered, 600-hp 1933 Ford Roadster

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Ford, Specialty, Electric

Take something old - in this case, a 1933 Ford Roadster body - and make it into something new - a CNG-powered, 600-horsepower beast, perhaps. That's what's happening over at AFVTech, which is prepping the fenderless hot rod for the upcoming Alternative Fuels and Vehicles Institute expo that's coming in May.

AFVTech is using what President Kevin Fern calls the "Natural Drive dedicated EPA-certified CNG retrofit systems" for 600 clean-burning horsepower. The conversion uses a modified General Motors LS7 seven-liter V8 engine (as used in the Chevrolet Corvette Z06), a six-speed transmission, drive-by-wire controls and ABS disc brakes.

The company is also working with the Arizona Fountain Hills High School's research club on turning a 2002 Ford Crown Victoria into a hydrogen-powered vehicle.

[Source: Green Car Advisor, Green Car Congress]

AFVTech working on CNG-powered, 600-hp 1933 Ford Roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Presenting the Kustom Kar photography of George Barris

Chris Shunk — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 12:13:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Videos

Click above to watch the video after the jump

If you look up the name George Barris, you'll find two famous individuals from the same era. One snapped iconic photos of Marilyn Monroe and Dwight Eisenhower, while the other took shots of hot-rodded Chevys and Buicks. While we're sure George Barris the celebrity photographer was great, our attention is, as always, drawn to the car guy with the same name. Barris, as you well know, was one of the pioneers of the multi-billion-dollar custom car industry, and he took as much pride in the pictures he took to show off his work as he did the custom jobs that made him famous. Barris's photos eventually landed in popular magazines like Hot Rod and Rod & Custom. Follow the jump to look at some of the photography that helped make George Barris a household name... at least in the car world.

[Source: YouTube via The Garage Blog]

Continue reading VIDEO: Presenting the Kustom Kar photography of George Barris

VIDEO: Presenting the Kustom Kar photography of George Barris originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Aug 2009 12:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog spends a day at the 22nd Annual Seal Beach Classic Car Show

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 19:31:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for huge high-res gallery from Seal Beach

We love spring for a multitude of reasons, but mainly for the car shows that start popping up around the country. The sun comes out and so do the classic cars, hot rods and muscle cars. This weekend we stopped by the 22nd Annual Classic Car Show in Seal Beach, California along with about 25,000 other folks. The show features around 500 cars, stretching from PCH to the pier right down the heart of Main Street.

The day includes a pancake breakfast, a running of the local pinewood derby, and a whole lotta' fun. Besides the bands that show up to play everything from swing to rock-and-roll, there were also the sounds of the cars themselves during the periodic cacklefest moments of the day. That's when the show participants are encouraged to start 'em up and stomp the loud pedal. It's quite an earful, especially if you happen to be standing next to one of the dozen or so race cars in attendance, like we did when a vintage Yeakel dragster once piloted by Tom "Mongoose" McEwen dropped the throttle.

Although muscle cars are generally king at these types of gatherings, there are also a number of other classes. Everything from the aforementioned race cars to European classics; from hot rods to Woodies; from customs to boats, bikes and even buses. A great event that puts a big emphasis on wholesome family fun in a quintessentially American way and you can check it out in our massive gallery below.

Gallery: 22nd Seal Beach Classic Car Show

Autoblog spends a day at the 22nd Annual Seal Beach Classic Car Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2008: Choppin' Block '31 Studebaker Model 54

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Classics

Click above for high-res gallery of this really low Stude

Toyo Tires has one of the coolest booths at SEMA this year. We already showed you the Tetsu Bentley they have on display, but they also have a sweet Evo and GT-R, a custom Cayenne and this beautiful hot rod. It's based on a 1931 Studebaker Model 54, but features a few modifications... to put it mildly. Motivation comes courtesy of a Chevy 350 with an Edelbrock intake, three, two-barrel carbs with open stacks, and a "Zoomie" open header exhaust system. The custom chassis rides on an equally custom air-ride suspension and Centerline smoothies wrapped in Toyo Proxes. As you can probably tell from the pics, it also has a totally customized body and interior that makes it one of the most attractive cars at the show. Check out the gallery for a bunch of high-res pics.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Choppin' Block '31 Studebaker Model 54

SEMA 2008: Choppin' Block '31 Studebaker Model 54 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Nov 2008 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Woodward 2008: Hankering for Hot Rods?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 10:34:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Misc. Auto Shows, Specialty

Click above for a gallery of Hot Rods on Woodward

Cruising amongst the various cars down Woodward this weekend were quite a few machines that fit into the Hot Rod genre. Starting with a classic old-school vehicle platform, adding power and lowering it to the ground, the Hot Rod ethos still manages to attract its fair share of gawkers, including those of us wielding cameras. Take a look at the gallery we assembled below for the coolest 'rods and customs we could find.

Gallery: Woodward 2008: Hot Rods

Woodward 2008: Hankering for Hot Rods? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Aug 2008 10:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Street Rod and Funny Car builder John Buttera succumbs to cancer

Merritt Johnson — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 14:26:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Sadly, just a few days after the passing of Boyd Coddington, the world has lost another veteran hot rod builder. Former Coddington colleague, John Buttera, lost his battle with brain cancer on March 2nd. He was 67. 'Lil John Buttera was one of the pioneers of the Southern California performance scene. He initially moved to the West Coast from Wisconsin in order to work with Mickey Thompson on his famed Land Speed Record streamliner. Buttera then moved onto producing legendary dragsters and Funny Cars out of his own chassis shop in Cerritos, California. He even entered his own creation into the 1987 Indianapolis 500, which qualified eighth and earned him the Clint Brawner Mechanical Excellence Award.

Our sincere condolences go out to his friends and family.

[Source: Inside Line]

Street Rod and Funny Car builder John Buttera succumbs to cancer originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Mar 2008 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Big Block Fever: First Anniversary 427 Big Block ZL-1 on the block at Barrett Jackson

Dan Roth — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Classics, Technology, GM

Monster motors were the order of the day in the late 1960s, and GM's 427 was a part of that class. The drawback to a big-block's burly output was, and still is, the increased weight of the engine. While big blocks are a hoot for straight line shenanigans, a small block car is often a better all-around performer. That goes out the window for most of us upon tapping that vast well of torque, and there was a solution direct from GM. The ZL1 was a 427 rendered in aluminum to save weight and carried a 430 horsepower rating. The ZL1 is the stuff of legend, commanding the sharp intake of breath when mentioned with the Corvette, and reverent silence should the COPO Camaro be cited.

GM Performance Parts is whipping up a limited run of all new ZL1s, built from the same tooling as the original. A total of 427 of the Anniversary 427 Big Block engines will be produced, creating a new piece of automotive unobtanium while leaving the ZL1 mystique intact. You might even argue that the new engine run will add to the lore. We'll get to see just how much of a clamor there might be for these new engines when the very first Anniversary 427 Big Block crate engine, serial number 001, goes up for bid at the upcoming Barrett-Jackson auction. The remaining 426 engines will be available soon from GM Performance Parts dealers, and will likely be snapped up like rabid moms going after Hannah Montana tickets.

[Source: GM via Winding Road]

Gallery: 427 Anniversary Big Block

Continue reading Big Block Fever: First Anniversary 427 Big Block ZL-1 on the block at Barrett Jackson

Big Block Fever: First Anniversary 427 Big Block ZL-1 on the block at Barrett Jackson originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jan 2008 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2007: '34 Chevrolet Coupe E85 pops into GM party

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 04:01:00 EST

Filed under: SEMA Show, Coupe, Hybrid, Chevrolet

Click the image above for updated gallery of this sweet '34 Chevrolet Coupe E85.

We stumbled upon Chevy's popcorn hotrod at the Wynn tonight and we liked what we saw. While calling this thing green is indeed a bit of a stretch to many observers, in person it at least fits the hot rod tag to a T. With its 2.0L, E85-fueled, Ecotec four prominently displayed, it managed to attract some curious looks. Knowing that little four-banger uses GM's Performance Parts Stage III package and a giant turbo to pump out 500 HP, it seems to have the stones to back up the hot rod looks. Definitely a looker inside and out with a menacing stance and a purely functional cockpit, it could be Chevy's Prowler if they decide to get whacky.

Take a look at the full press release after the jump for all the details.

Gallery: '34 Chevrolet Coupe E85

Continue reading SEMA 2007: '34 Chevrolet Coupe E85 pops into GM party

SEMA 2007: '34 Chevrolet Coupe E85 pops into GM party originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Oct 2007 04:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2007: '34 Chevrolet Coupe E85

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 11:33:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Tuners, Coupe, Hybrid, Chevrolet

Click the image above for more pics of the '34 Chevrolet Coupe E85.

Two things that are diametrically opposed - hot rods and going green - have been fused into one open wheel custom for the throngs of SEMA-goers this week. The General is bringing a '34 Chevy hot rod to the show, outfitted with a 2.0-liter Ecotec four tuned to run on E85, and equipped with GM's Performance Parts Stage III package plus a larger turbo. 35-inch Excelsior rear tires partnered with 29-inch gumballs up front assure that presence will not be lacking when it's on display in Vegas tomorrow. Other notable tidbits include a custom front suspension with lightening holes drilled into the hardware, a reversed Corvair steering box mated to custom fabricated linkage and what GM is calling "earth-friendly" interior materials.

Take a look at the full press release after the jump for all the details.

Gallery: '34 Chevrolet Coupe E85

Continue reading SEMA 2007: '34 Chevrolet Coupe E85

SEMA 2007: '34 Chevrolet Coupe E85 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Oct 2007 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHRA founder Wally Parks passes at 94

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

In our own little subsection of society, few men have had as much influence on our pistonhead way of life than Wally Parks. Over 94 years, he was a test driver for GM, founded the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), had a hand in starting Motor Trend in 1948, co-founded Hot Rod magazine and deemed a quarter-mile as the length of a drag race. Far better scribes have eulogized him after his death on Friday, and we'd ask you to check out the NHRA's website for every detail and facet of his life, rendered in heartfelt words and historic pictures. Godspeed.

NHRA founder Wally Parks passes at 94 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Oct 2007 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari and hot rodders not so different

Chris Tutor — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 10:06:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

It's not so easy to say Ferrari owners are kindred spirits to hot rodders. The stereotypical Ferrari owner enjoys speed, luxury and refinement, while the stereotypical hot rodder prides himself on do-it-yourself ingenuity, raw muscle and sometimes cobbled-together bodywork. But Ryan Cochran at Jalopy Journal manages to bring the two sides together as car people, arguing Enzo Ferrari was, at heart, a hot rodder.

To illustrate his points Ryan shot a series of beautiful black and white photos of a Ferrari 550 Maranello, an Olds-powered, flat-black '36 Ford Coupe and a flathead '30 Deuce, also in primer black. The differences in the three cars are as stark as the old Austin airport in the background. It takes Ryan's uniting of Ferrari and hot rodding history to really make the photos work, but they do.

An interesting read for fans of both modern and antique hot rods.

[Source: Jalopy Journal]

Ferrari and hot rodders not so different originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jun 2007 10:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: Studebaker Taurus

Dan Roth — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 07:37:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Classics, Auctions, Etc., Ford

click the pic above to see a gallery

Studebaker mash-ups with later Ford vehicles aren't an entirely new idea, but we've never seen something quite like this. The seller of this car should be beaten with a sand-filled hose for attempted robbery. $7500 for a Stude-nosed Taurus wagon with a ratty interior? Wait, now, before we get all indignant, this is powered by the potent powertrain combination of the 2.3 liter four backed up by one of the world's vaguest-shifting five speeds. There's nothing wrong with the Pinto-derived cammer four - it's one hell of an engine, in fact. The manual transaxle, well, it gets the job done. But really, a car being advertised as a "one of a Kind Kustom!" may be more enticing were it to have, say, an SHO powertrain. Not that it would soften the blow of the weird visage, but there would at least be something redeeming here. The bodywork is claimed to be all steel, but the pictures don't make it easy to tell whether that's a prevarication or not. We do question the merit of all that time and effort (and expense, if the body man was working for more than MGD) of grafting 1950s sheetmetal on a 1980s car. The ensuing clash never looks right, not even on those Thunderbird-based abominations.

Thanks for the tip, Mike!

[Source: eBay]

Gallery: Studebaker Bullet-Nose Taurus Wagon

eBay Find of the Day: Studebaker Taurus originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 10 Jun 2007 07:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: Ed "Big Daddy" Roth's Honda CVCC

Dan Roth — Tue, 15 May 2007 12:09:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Auctions, Honda

Its amazing what a brush with fame will do for the most ordinary objects. Ed "Big Daddy" Roth was certainly an integral part of the hot-rodding scene, and he went from pinstriping to building full-on custom cars and back to striping as his career progressed. This little Honda was the perfect transportation, t-shirt sales shop, workbench and advertisment for a journeyman striper with a name that preceeded him. The history of this car is fascinating, though we have trouble thinking that it's $8,000 worth of interesting. The current owner apparently thinks the past of this vehicle is worthy of making it a museum piece, and the eBay post has a long-winded manifesto about how he'd like to see the car utilized after the sale. We love hotrodding and the history of the hobby, but we still find the valuation a little dubious. At least it stands a better chance of getting its final bid than the General Lee.

Thanks to Mike for the tip.

Gallery: Ed "Big Daddy" Roth's Honda

eBay Find of the Day: Ed "Big Daddy" Roth's Honda CVCC originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 May 2007 12:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2007 Ypsilanti Show and Shine car show

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 07 May 2007 13:32:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Misc. Auto Shows

Click the GT350 for a high-res gallery from the Show and Shine show

The city of Ypsilanti Michigan has a long industrial history highlighted by the thousands of B-24 Liberator bombers cranked out during World War II. After the war, car-makers took over the production facilities in the area, many of which have since gone away, but more on that another time.

More recently, the city has gained some internet notoriety as the home of the most phallic building in the world, thanks to our water tower. A short distance from the tower is Riverside Park in Depot Town which during the spring and summer months is home to several car shows. The first event of the year is the Show and Shine put on by the Ypsi Area Street Rods club with proceeds from the event going to a variety of charities like Cystic fibrosis, Hospice and the Humane Society.

See more of what was at Show and Shine after the jump.

Gallery: 2007 Ypsilanti Show and Shine

Continue reading 2007 Ypsilanti Show and Shine car show

2007 Ypsilanti Show and Shine car show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 May 2007 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Why the world rips on us: Dimora's JX Coupe Concept

Dan Roth — Sat, 24 Mar 2007 18:08:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Chrysler

From the fertile mind that brought you such varied hits as the Clenet and premixed coolant, we present to you the Dimora JX Coupe. Done up the old-world way -- with real metal and skill -- and the results for all that effort are decidedly weird. They can call it a coupe all they want, but its certainly more El Camino than sleek GT. The JX moniker is a little strange too, as the Chrysler Concorde that this car began life as was an LH model. The JX is the designation for the Sebring convertible from '96-00.

No matter, this metallic tangerine wonder has had old school bodywork techniques applied to make it a landaulet-looking contraption. The car was built as a movie car, though Dimora is cagey about where we might ultimately see the JX's film debut. The write up at the Dimora website is filled with hyperbolic nuggets. Our favorite gem is this one, regarding the fitting of a 3.2-liter V6: "We replaced the stock engine with a 260 HP 3.2 liter V6 from ATK, which is backed by a three-year unlimited mileage warranty. We added a "Tornado" vortex component to the air intake. MPG was increased 10% and horsepower grew by 10%. We have not had a dyno test on the engine..." Uhh, what?! We're not sure how you can measure a 10% horsepower increase (from an intake restriction, no less) without, you know, measuring it. Ah well, at least the rest of the world continues to have vehicular reasons to ridicule us.

Gallery: Dimora JX Coupe

[Source: Dimora via Jalopnik]

Why the world rips on us: Dimora's JX Coupe Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Mar 2007 18:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Influential publisher Robert E. Petersen passes on at 80

John Neff — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 22:52:00 EST

Robert E. Petersen passed away today after a short battle with neuroendocrine cancer at the age of 80. Automotive journalists everywhere owe a good degree of gratitude to Petersen, who founded such magazines as Motor Trend, Hot Rod and Car Craft with his company, Petersen Publishing Inc. In fact, many of the titles published by Petersen reflected the man's own interests beyond the realm of autos, for instance Guns & Ammo. Petersen also realized his dream (and many of ours) of building a museum honoring the automobile, and in 1994 the seminal Petersen Automotive Museum was opened in Los Angeles.

To learn more about Robert E. Petersen and his life, check out the press release we received after the jump, as well as this interesting interview recently published by Motor Trend Classic.

Petersen is survived by his wife, Margie. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to the Petersen Automotive Museum or the charity of the person's choice in his honor.

Continue reading Influential publisher Robert E. Petersen passes on at 80

Influential publisher Robert E. Petersen passes on at 80 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Mar 2007 22:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog does the Autorama

Chris Shunk — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 11:24:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Etc., Misc. Auto Shows

Click on the above picture to view the entire Autorama photo gallery

If you went to the Autorama in Detroit, you saw a lot of hot-rods with big-time blowers, some of the best paint-jobs ever, and lots of expensive memorabilia. What you didn't see were Hondas and Toyotas (except one Avalon) because Autorama is all about Motor City Metal with Plymouths, Fords, and Chevys as far as the eye can see. There were hundreds of cars and trucks filling up Cobo Arena and many of the automotive artworks were built by regular folks, which makes it way cooler than when the big corporations fix up our favorite hotrods.

Each year the organizers of Autorama pull in some celebrity talent to bolster attendance, and this year they had pro wrestlers, Sponge Bob, "Overhaulin's" Chris Jacobs, and the legendary mod-master Chip Foose. The line to get an autograph was longer than the checkout at Best Buy the day after Thanksgiving, and Chip gave his fans something worth standing in line for. One lucky kid got an autograph and a hand-drawn sketch from Chip himself.

Gallery: Autorama

Continue reading Autoblog does the Autorama

Autoblog does the Autorama originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Mar 2007 11:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One V8-ified Mini to rule them all

Dan Roth — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Trends, Budget, Etc., Mini

Even with the works package, those all-caps MINIs have nothing on this right proper little monster. A tip of the hat to Carlos, who alerted us to this deliciously ridiculous transformation, performed at the hands of Remy and Jeremy Vos. The project began with the germ of an idea, and off they went to the workshop to build the frame supporting the GM small-block and rear suspension. We applaud building the car around the engine. Even this Frankensteined Mini can't get beyond some BMW involvement, though. The Roundel parts bin was raided for braking components, the rear axle, the steering column, and a new MINI donated a power steering pump. There's even a nod to the R56 in the hoodscoop. Overall, we think the results turned out quite nicely. It's totally impractical, but we gather practicality wasn't the goal here. Good show.

[Source: miniv8.com via transport trends]

One V8-ified Mini to rule them all originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Mar 2007 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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